“They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”They gave him a piece of broiled fish,and he took it and ate it in their presence.” He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”Then he opened their minds, so they could understand the Scriptures.He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.You are witnesses of these things.I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:33-49 NIV
How Does Jesus Empower Us?
- He persuades us with truth
“This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”Then he opened their minds, so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day” Vs 44-46
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 NIV
- He satisfies the deepest longingsof our hearts
“Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish,”Vs. 41-42
- Eating is an invitation to friendshipandintimacy
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20 NIV
- He gives us His joy
“Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder.” Luke 24:41 NLT
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11 NIV
“…The joy of the Lord is your strength…” Nehemiah 8:10
- He awakens us to the ultimate purposefor our lives
“…repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Vs. 47
“…and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8b
“Again, Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21 NIV
- He fills us with the power of the Holy Spirit
“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Vs. 49
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;” Acts1:8a NIV
“…be filled with the Spirit,” Ephesians 5:18 NIV